Why Work-Life Balance Should Not Exist Anymore

“People find it hard to balance work with family, family with self, because it might not be a question of balance.” – David Whyte Have you heard of the concept of work-life balance? It is described as “proper prioritizing between “work” (career and ambition) and “lifestyle” (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development/meditation).” These days, it […]

“People find it hard to balance work with family, family with self, because it might not be a question of balance.” – David Whyte

Have you heard of the concept of work-life balance? It is described as “proper prioritizing between “work” (career and ambition) and “lifestyle” (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development/meditation).” These days, it has become difficult to balance your work and lifestyle. This is because work and life are not separate. They can’t be “balanced” against one another. Work is a part of life, and not a separate entity. If you think that you have to do this, both your work and your life will suffer.

Instead of calling it a balance, it should be an integration of all areas of your life. Sheila Lirio Marcelo – founder, chairwoman and CEO of Care.com, the world’s largest online destination for finding and managing family care – says that “when you’ve found your purpose and can commit your whole self to everything you do, work becomes a means to that end — not something you have to put a box around.” Checking your family life at the door for 8 hours is an old way of thinking. You will never stop being a parent, a spouse, or a friend. Neither will you shut off work after 8 hours to begin your life. Find your passions and you will never have to “balance” your life and your work.

For years, we have been told that there are two spheres: work and life, and you have to juggle the two. There is only one sphere: life. It consists of many areas: work, family, faith, health, leisure, etc. Life is about meaning, the meaning that comes from relationships in and outside work. It is also about the worthwhile work we believe in. We should not think of it as a “balance”, but more so as every area of your life conversing with, questioning or emboldening each other.

This video by wellness lawyer, Andy Clark shows how the concept of work-life balance is dangerous to your health:

Do you think the concept of work-life balance exists? Let us know in the comments.